I think there must be something in the water here in the UK. Something potent that is making old groups decide to reunite and start plying their trade again. The last few years have seen many such reunions occurring, and there could be more to come.

We’ve already had Led Zeppelin reform for a one-off concert at the London 02 Arena, with rumours of a longer tour constantly bubbling around the press. We’ve also seen The Police forget their differences to embark on a huge world tour, which is due to come to an end this year in New York.

There was also the ill-omened Spice Girls tour which unfortunately ended before it was meant to due to poor sales. However, a positive note to come out of it is the retirement of Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham from singing. Two down, three to go.

Then there has been the more permanent reunions such as Take That (hoorah) and Boyzone (boo, hiss), as well as rumours of long-awaited returns for both Blur and The Smiths, both of which still could happen.

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I don’t think this is ever going to happen to me, I mean I’d have to go on a cruise or a long haul flight first… and I just don’t do that. BUT, were I ever to get stranded on a desert island with only music as company, these are the 10 British albums I’d choose to be stuck with until I got rescued, or turned in to worm food.

I know I’m going to get criticised, not only for what is here, but what isn’t. Be assured that I had a massive list of albums that could and maybe should have been on the list, but I was limited to 10. Maybe I’ll do a part 2 in a few months time, when bands like Pink Floyd, Oasis, Travis, and The Stone Roses would definitely get a look in.

1. Keane - Hopes And Fears

Yes I know Keane take some stick for resembling characters from an Enid Blyton book, and their second wasn’t quite as good as their first, but what a first album it was.

I never tire of hearing it, and I liste to the whole album, only maybe skipping 1 or 2 tracks if I’m not in the mood. It’s perfect night time music, and I usually listen to it on the headphones in bed. It’s also perfect for singing along to, so my girlfriend sometimes kicks me out of bed.

Stand Out Tracks: Somewhere Only We Know, Bedshaped, She Has No Time.
Band Website: http://www.keanemusic.com/

2. Muse - Absolution

The biggest problem I had here was choosing which album, as they all brilliant intheir own right. I ended up settling for Absolution as it’s an epic album the likes of which I doubt any band will achieve again.

It’s an album which truly is all things to all men, with traces of hard rock, opera, classical, punk, and a concept album to boot. I usually listen to this one on full volume, and rock out to it, playing air guitar, air drums and the oh so difficult air piano to it.

Stand Out Tracks: Hysteria, Time Is Running Out, Stockholm Syndrome.
Band Website: http://www.muse.mu/index.php

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Pink Floyd are to release a special new box set to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the band being together.

The album, which is now available on Amazon.co.uk is currently tentatively titled ‘Studio Box Set’ and priced at an enormous £144.99 ($300).

The box set will be 17 discs, including all their studio albums, as well as rarities and interviews. It is due to be released on November 26th 2007 and will be an absolute must for fans of the cult British rock group.